Precious 2009

Precious is the devastating story of how teen student Precious (Gabourey Sidibe), a victim of every kind of abuse possible, grabs a chance to turn her life around when she enrolls in an alternative school. She learns to read and write, eventually hopeful for a better future, but standing in her way is her violent mother Mary (Mo’Nique, in an Oscar-winning performance) and an at-risk second pregnancy. Though the film can be polarizing (is it emotionally manipulative or bleakly honest?), there’s no denying that Precious is a moving film. The tragedy of Precious’ life is heartbreaking, but how she pulls through is inspiring. It’s no wonder the film was a frontrunner in the 2010 awards season, eventually sweeping Oscar wins for Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.